Staff Linux Kernel Engineer

Crusoe

$215K — $260K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Deep knowledge of Linux kernel internals including memory management, scheduling, and networking
  • Strong C programming skills with fluency in kernel development workflow
  • Experience with kernel security vulnerabilities, including CVE analysis
  • Proven ability to set technical direction and manage projects end-to-end
  • Track record of contributions to the upstream Linux kernel community
  • Familiarity with virtualization technologies like KVM and QEMU
  • 10+ years of experience in systems software engineering, especially with low-level systems

Responsibilities

  • Lead deep-dive root-cause analysis across OS and hardware layers
  • Architect and oversee critical kernel development projects from design to production
  • Develop kernel code while aiming for upstream contributions
  • Implement and optimize advanced virtualization technologies for GPU workloads
  • Identify and create kernel efficiency improvements proactively
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing code reviews and guidance

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Restricted Stock Units
  • Paid time off, holidays & leave of absence programs
  • Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
  • Employer contributions to HSA account
  • Paid parental leave and life insurance
  • Professional development & tuition reimbursement
  • Mental health & wellness support
  • Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
  • Cell phone stipend
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%
  • Volunteer time off
  • Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
  • Daily meals allowance
  • Additional location-specific perks
Full Job Description
About the role
You will set the technical direction for Crusoe's Linux kernel team, owning the roadmap and architecting critical development projects. This role requires a balance of high-level architectural design and hands-on kernel coding. You will tackle the most complex kernel problems while mentoring and growing the engineers around you to deliver production-ready infrastructure at scale.

What You'll Be Working On:
  • Perform deep-dive root-cause analysis of issues across the OS and hardware layers. You will lead the triage and backporting for kernel CVEs while building automated tooling for vulnerability analysis.
  • Architect and lead critical projects - new kernel features, security patching infrastructure, deployment systems - from design through production and upstream.
  • Develop kernel code with an upstream-first mindset - we aim to contribute all changes to the Linux kernel community and keep our downstream patches zero; this is a core part of how the team works, not an afterthought
  • Develop and review kernel code: memory management, scheduler, networking, storage, and GPU-related subsystems
  • Design and implement advanced virtualization technologies tailored for GPU-accelerated AI and HPC workloads. You will optimize the stack for low latency and high scalability across hypervisors and device emulation.
  • Find and develop kernel efficiency improvements proactively (e.g., DAMON-based memory management, hugepage optimization, memory overcommit)
  • Mentor and review work from mid-level and junior engineers

What You'll Bring to the Team:
  • Deep knowledge of Linux kernel internals - memory management, scheduler, networking, storage subsystems and/or device drivers
  • Strong C programming skills; fluency in kernel development workflow (patch submission, mailing lists, Lore)
  • Experience evaluating kernel security vulnerabilities: CVE analysis, exploitability assessment, backporting fixes
  • Demonstrated ability to set technical direction and drive projects end-to-end
  • Track record of upstream Linux kernel contributions is a strong plus
  • Deep knowledge of Linux kernel internals (memory management, scheduler, I/O) and virtualization technologies (KVM, Xen, or QEMU)
  • 10+ years of experience in systems software engineering working on low-level systems or infrastructure teams.


Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Restricted Stock Units
  • Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs
  • Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
  • Employer contributions to HSA account
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
  • Professional development & tuition reimbursement
  • Mental health & wellness support
  • Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
  • Cell phone stipend
  • 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary
  • Volunteer time off
  • Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
  • Daily meals allowance
  • Additional perks & programs specific to location


Compensation Range

Compensation will be paid in the range of up to $215,000 -$260,000 + Bonus. Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers. Compensation to be determined by the applicant's knowledge, education, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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